Breast Feeding #2 After Low Milk Supply with #1 - Concord,CA

First of all. I commend you on nursing. I think if you are not stressed out about feedings and weight gain that alone will help. Also just because you could not pump out more does not mean your supply was low. Do you have a lactation consultant to talk to, my hospital had a meeting once a week to help with latching issues and they would weigh the baby before and after the feeding to see how much they are taking in. It sounds to me like your dr had more of an issue than there really was. If your child had plenty of wet and poppy diapers then there should be no reason for worry. Every kid is different. Every kid falls asleep eating the first few months. Also there are nipple protectors ( I can not remember the right name) that can help with proper latching in the beginning. I think when a child is hungy they will wake up. I never woke my son for a feeding he looked for it on his own.
Relax and good luck.

My second baby was significantly easierto breasfeed. I had a major issue thefirst time with pain and supply and ended up stopping at 5 weeks. I nursed my second baby for 8 mos. Still wasn't able to pump very well but it was such a better experience. I highly recommend the my Brest friend pillow it was a life safer.

Ooh Honey! I had a tough time with #1 too - he was preemie and induced which made it even harder. I never could pump more than 2oz. at a time and was jealous of my friends that were throwing out milk because they were pumping more than their babies could drink before it went bad.
This time with #2 I can usually pump 3 oz. right after a feeding and up to 5 if Baby took an extra long nap etc. My boobs leak and I have to wear pads in my bra - something I never needed with #1.
It sounds like you'll benefit from a calmer pediatrician and hopefully you've learned not to beat yourself up or compare your baby to anyone else's or to the "charts & percentiles."
I started drinking Mother's Milk tea about a month before #2 was born to try and get the ball rolling. I also had my hubby bring me a big thermos of it to the hospital every day. My milk took about 7 days to really come in and Baby #2 got some formula in the beginning. I had an alergic reaction to a breast ointment so nursing was terrible at first, but I found a really great lactation nurse and she got us on track.
My mom had trouble nursing me (1st born) but no trouble with my brothers. The nurse & my obgyn told me it's common with #1 and after that your body "learns" what to do.
I still don't think of breastfeeding as an "experience" - can't wait until the "Girls" are strictly decorative again, but hey - it's good for my baby and my body too and it's sure is cheaper than formula!

I had a similar experience - my first would fall asleep and never really get full, then wake up and start all over. He was scaring at first with the weight gain. Always totally alert, smart, everything else perfect. My second was different - she ate more vigorously and the milk came in stronger and we had NO PROBLEMS. I had had tons of problems with the first - breast infections, pain, not enough milk.

My conclusion is that different babies use us differently in nursing, and that's a big factor. THe other is the mother being relaxed, which you will be this time. One thing I would say - DON"T WAKE THE BABY UP TO FEED HIM/HER. THe baby will wake up when hungry, and you don't want to train him/her to wake up more often! And sleep is importnat to them as well.

GOOD LUCK! It's bound to be better this time!

M.

You sound very ready for a more positive experience, and yes, every baby (just as every pregnancy) is different! Feel free to use Nursing Mothers Counsel as a resource, as well as drjacknewman.com, and kellymom.com. We are a non-profit organization of peer counselors who provide free, non-judgemental education & one-on-one support to nursing mamas at all stages. Our website is http://www.nursingmothers.org, but we also have a warm line if you have immediate questions that you'd like to talk to a mama about, and that number is 650-327-MILK. If you'd like to be connected with one of our counselors for your own one-on-one, please email me at ____@____.com, and I can get you connected with someone before your baby's born. If you don't necessary want your own counselor, check out the websites. Regardless, HAPPY NURSING!

p.s.: I agree... DO NOT wake the baby after the first week or so. The first few days ARE very important for practice and establishing milk supply, but after that initial period, let the baby sleep as long as he/she'd like during your normal sleeping hours. Unless Baby is considered a sleepy baby, he/she will wake on his/her own :)

First of all feeding your baby very often will help your milk. I was always told to never let your new born sleep past 4 hours at night so your milk supply will come in strong and your baby will keep a full tummy. And during the day I would always nurse my new born on demand. sometimes she would go 3 hours and other times it was every 1 1/2. So again that will help keep your supply strong. And just to make you feel better my sister nursed her first son but as he got older (like 8 or 9 months) he ran into weight gaining problems and they realized it was because my sister's milk supply was low. Now with her second baby she never ran into a problem like that and he is a much chunkier baby. So just cause you had problems with your first doesn't mean you'll have problems again. So try not to worry too much :)

As encouragement, I had to stop breastfeeding my daughter at 2 months because she was not growing. Her doctor was never concerned because, although she was very small and skinny, as you also said, she was very alert and "maturing" properly. However, the nurses were very concerned and he finally said to switch to formula to see what would happen. I tried to pump so I could go back, but my milk dried up with pumping. I just couldn't get that to work. With my son (second child) I had no problems at all. I breastfed him for 8 months and stopped because I went back to work and my job is not one I can take breaks at to pump, etc. So I don't know exactly what was different from my first to second, but I could not continue with my first child and had no problems at all with my second. Best of luck to you!!

Hi there,
I had similar issues with my first one. We worked with a lactation consultant, we tried pumping in addition to nursing and massaging, mother's milk, fenugreek, formula supplement, what have you. After 2-3 months of that, I decided that my baby girl just didn't need much and was simply petite (although born at 7lbs 11oz) -- both my husband and I are not that big. She was below 5th percentile for most of her first year but was a very healthy child.
With our second baby, my supply is still not overflowing, but breastfeeding started off much better. Maybe because I was more experienced, but I think mostly because my son is a better nurser and more enthusiastic eater than my daughter was. My nipples were sore for a long time with my first, but there was hardly any pain with the 2nd. I've noticed the same trend going on with his weight declining percentile wise in the chart even though nursing is good this time around. My babies are just born heavier and then the weight seems to adjust to their genetic make up.
In short, just relax and enjoy breastfeeding with your second baby. You've seen your first child turn out fine weight and health-wise. Just go with your instinct and do what's best for the baby.
Good luck and congratulations on your 2nd child.

I didn't read all of your responses but I agree that it sounds like your supply was fine. The amount of milk you can pump has nothing to do with the amount of milk your baby can express. I have only been able to pump about an ounce or so and nursed all 3 of my girls to well past a year. My 3rd had weight gain issues and I had to fight with the Dr too. One of the things I found out was that Formula fed babies and Breast fed babies are charted on the same growth curve. But BF babies grown at a diffrent rate than Formula fed babies. If you for the WHO website they do have diffrent charts.
I wouldn't worry too much!
Blessings, K.

Your story sounds excactly like mine! But breastfeeding my 2nd went so much better- she nursed until about 9/10 months when she decided she was done. I would defintly take advantage of the nurses and lacation consultants while you are still in the hospital. The other thing is, this is the 2nd time around, so you have a better idea of how it all works this time - and I think that helps so much! If you are still having troubles after you are released from the hospital, try contacting a lacation consultant - a lot of times they will give you advice over the phone - or go in and see one. I have also found that pumping can help increase your supply a little bit. Other things that work are eating things that have malt in them (the frosties at Wendy's have malt. My sister brought me one every day I was in the hospital with my 2nd and then my husband would get me them too once we got home!)

Good luck and I hope this time goes much better for you - I am sure it will!

Get one of those water bags that bikers use with the long tube and keep it by your bedside to drink while you are in bed. I found that this was the number one problem - not getting enough water.

Drink mothers milk tea ( a lot of it) and fenugreek.

Relax and take time to breastfeed. Don't run around and do a lot right away.

If you see any reduction in your supply, drink an organic lactation tea Healthy nursing tea. It helped me a lot when my supply dipped.

Honestly it sounds like you had NO milk supply issues with your first, but instead had an overzealous pediatrician who was trying to force his product onto you. Some babies gain weight fast, some super slow. And most pediatricians in the US use a growth chart put out by a formula company, ie formula fed babies usually gain weight much faster than breastfed babies. If a doctor uses the formula fed baby chart, many breastfed babies are much lower on that chart because they are more lean.

Now that being said, we struggled for months iwth our oldest to breastfeed. IT was very hard, but we pushed through, and I'm glad we did. With our youngest, I was more relaxed and easy going, and he was a born nurser who nursed until he was 2yrs old. Somebabies get it right away, some take time. My oldest took time, my youngest was born and latched on in his first 20 seconds of life! :)

Also, you will never be able to pump what you baby could nurse. iwas never able to pump more than 2oz, but obviously my babies were getting more than that. A pump is not as efficient as a baby, and your bod ywill always respond and release more milk better for your baby.

My suggestion this time around, relax! Enjoy your baby, feed him when he wakes and when he is hungry, and don't stress. You did awesome the first time around, just trust yourself and go with your baby's flow, and you will do awesome this time as well!

Dear E.,
I never for one minute considered anything other than breasfeeding my first baby. She was little too. She latched on okay and everything from the beginning but she just wasn't that into it for some reason. She was super healthy but didn't gain much weight so I chose to supplement with formula and after that, she was just done nursing. She loved the formula and ate like a champ.
My second baby was a completely different story. He was definitely a boobie baby. I didn't do anything differently and I worried that he might not be that interested, but my fears were unfounded. He did great. My husband and I agreed to start weening him at 18 months and I didn't make it quite that far due to health issues, but he and his sister were polar opposites when it came to nursing. It's very true, all babies are different.
I'm sure you'll do just great and I know you'll get some good advice here.

Best wishes to you!

Oh, I sympathize! This was me/us. Had trouble with supply with the first, I remember it taking forever because he kept falling asleep, had jaundice & a billi blanket etc. Got better from there, but eventually we supplemented, and he weaned at 5 mos when I went back to work (not really my choice).

Happy to say the 2nd went much much better! She was a bit bigger at birth, had an easier birth (got to stay on my chest a bit), and was nursing with a strong latch (me or her?) and great suction almost from the very start. My supply came in and was plenty.

One thing I did differently was I didn't watch the clock actually at all, I just nursed her at every opportunity - whenever she woke up, whenever she fussed, whenever she went to sleep - and held her with me skin on skin or in a bjorn as much as possible.

(btw, switching pediatricians to one that's more in line with your goals and personality sounds brilliant - I think worry and stress alone can be bad for supply. For that matter, I was much less worried the second time around ;)

Good luck!

Just as every pregnancy and baby are different, so too will your body. I too was adamant about nursing! I "fought" to BF my first daughter until 6 mos. I finally gave up out of pure exhaustion. I was working part time and pumping and she wouldn't take the milk at daycare. Instead she would be up all night nursing leaving me EXHAUSTED. I later discovered the reason was my milk was spoiling prematurely - so she was getting "bad" milk at daycare. No wonder she wouldn't eat it! Needless to say, her sleep schedule was completely screwed up for a long time to come.

With baby #2 I again gave up at about 6 mos. My first daughter was up a lot at nights, and I was trying to breastfeed a baby with a very active toddler running around during the daytime. My DH begged me to stop so he could help more at nights. I never pumped with her because of the "spoilage" issue from baby #2.

Then with baby #3 everything is PERFECT! Nursing couldn't be easier! And I learned that I no longer have a milk spoilage issue!

For you, I think having a supportive pediatrician is key. Also if you have ANY issues or questions it would be worthwhile to see a lactation consultant. Our hospital not only has one come to the room right after you deliver, but there's also a free support group that meets at the hospital once a week...it's moms, babies and a lactation consultant to ask questions of.

Also, as you know, hydration and destressing are key!

I agree that with a newborn frequently, regular full feedings will really help your supply to come in. I think the single biggest illusion is that breastfeeding is easy - it can be - but in those first few weeks, it hurts, your sore, your nipples are screaming at you, there's all the swelling, lumps, etc. I don't know if your son didn't latch properly, but the "pain" part lasted about a month for me with babies #2 and #3. I think part of it was supply coming in, and then adjusting to the baby's needs. I will say tho that it is MUCH easier this time. I'm not sure if it's me, the baby or what. But IT can be much easier the next time around.

I agree with other moms-- sounds like your supply was fine the first time around. It does sound like it was a real stressor for you, though, so good job setting yourself up for a more positive experience this time.
If you'd like to work on the latch, I recommend this website:
http://www.drjacknewman.com/
dr. Newman is a breastfeeding guru in Canada and his site has some excellent videos about how to get a proper latch. There is also a Dr. Newman dvd available that gives more details about getting a proper latch. Your hospital lactation consultant might have a copy you can watch or borrow.
I have two children and the second (now 3 months) has been a different experience. My second child is a more vigorous nurser but not as skilled as my daughter was. I call him a "sloppy gulper." Also, I've had more milk the second time around and I think this might be common. I have nursed him pretty much on demand especially the first two months. I did learn, though, that sometimes it was difficult to tell if he was hungry or tired. I only mention this because if you nurse on demand so frequently the baby never fully drains the breast they will receive only the foremilk which is lower in fat and tends to give them gas. Personally, I prefer to nurse just after a nap when the baby is not stressed, but hungry and well rested. They have the best latch and drink deeply draining the entire breast. That said, you will know your baby and his/her needs best so trust your instinct.
good luck with your birth!
A.

Hi, I am happy you asked us mommies for advice with this. The number one thing I like to help people know, especially moms, is that you have the power to make your reality. I know it's not always easy to believe but it's true!

Be intentional. If your mind is made up that it WILL be better this time then IT WILL. I got a lot of the Birthing From Within Book and it has all kinds of little blips about doing art to express subconscious energy. I think it does help move energy along and I would encourage you to get out the crayons or the markers or whatever you have and draw a picture. It doesn't matter what kind of artist you are.
Simply draw the image of what you want. Add in the colors, put the baby at your breast, you smiling and the formula in the garbage! You van have that reality!
And yay for firing that pediatrition. Certainly it is necessary to have caring and protective doctors and nurses but we pay good money for care, not to be instilled w/ fear. Sounds like that energy hit you b/c you did have that fear there. Own the fear, feel it, cry it, let it go. Then, fill yourself up with the energy of what you DO WANT.
You're also right about that latch, get the whole areola in there! Intend the baby will get it right.
Oh, last thing... :) be careful for what you ask, you might get it!!! If the baby sleeps more than 2 hrs at night... maybe let him/her. You'll know. You'll know best, better than anyone. Trust your instincts. Go girl and good luck and bright blessings for a wonderful birthing experience and joyous motherhood!

You'll do fine! I found breast feeding number two much easier. My nipples were already all worn out from nursing number one and she had a much easier time latching on than number one because of that. I agree with Maureen. Not pumping a lot does not mean your supply is low! It could be the pump or just the fact that pumps don't work as well as babies. With my second baby I could NEVER pump very much because my milk supply regulated very quickly and my boobs weren't as huge and engorged like with baby number one. But I never worried about not having enough. Your pediatrician sounds like a crack pot. My first daughter was HUGE and my second daughter still is a tiny but HEALTHY toddler who I am still nursing at 23 mos. Her size is her genetics, not starvation. :) You did a great job of sticking with it and keeping a clear head despite the fact your doc was being a worrywort.